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8 Tricks To Help You Close The Books On 2015

With the New Year nearly upon us, it is in everyone’s best interest to finish 2015 on a good note. To that end, here are a few suggestions our partners over at CT Homes recommend for anyone looking to close their books on 2015, and kick 2016 off in the right fashion:

1. Get Rid Of The Minutia

I have become all too familiar with the nuances, or minutia – if you will – that have become synonymous with running a business. There are countless variables vying for your attention at any given moment; some more important than others. However, I can assure you that your business will reward you accordingly if you dedicate your time to the things that matter the most. But how do you do that?

The answer is simple: remove the small annoyances preventing you from realizing progress. The more time you have to focus on the important things, the better position you will be in to kick off the New Year. Take this time to complete any menial tasks, and free up as much time as you can.

2. Clean Out Your Workspace

At the risk of sounding too redundant, the little things can have the biggest impact on a business. However, there is more truth behind this little statement than most business owners may realize. The little things really can make a big difference in the efficiency of a company. I have personally found it to be advantageous to spend a little time at the end of the year to clean out my workspace. Removing clutter has a unique ability to focus your attention. Not unlike ridding yourself of the daily minutia, cleaning up your work area will optimize your time and allow you to work more efficiently. Is there anything else you could ask for to start off 2016?

3. Alleviate Confusion

Few things have the ability to derail productivity quite like confusion. In fact, it can be argued that any degree of ignorance can disrupt even the most successful of businesses. Having said that, the clearer you are with your objective, the better off your business will be. Do yourself a favor and take the last few weeks of the year to alleviate any confusion that may be present.

It is not uncommon to let confusion linger, no matter how big or small the circumstances may be. Some are simply afraid of the answers, and others may not even know they have questions. Either way, you need to do whatever it takes to make sure you are on the right path. Clear up any confusion that may be loitering, and you will have a better idea of what to do next. Of particular importance, however, is the manner in which you take action. You can’t expect any confusion to simply disappear. You must be proactive, and look for answers on your own behalf. The sooner you can clear up any misunderstandings, the faster you will be able to take advantage of the opportunities coming your way in 2016.

4. Place An Emphasis On Quality Conversations

It should go without saying, but with the end of the year approaching, time is running out to get things done. There really isn’t a lot of time for any of us to beat around the bush, or worse, waste valuable time. To that end, every conversation you have with regards to your business should have an objective. While you should still manage to build relationships through conversational interactions, remember to move things forward. If there is something you have been meaning to tell someone, now is the time to bring it up. Stop procrastinating; before you know it, the New Year will have already started.

5. Let Your Intentions Be Known

Real estate, or any business for that matter, has never favored the timid. It is not a coincidence that some of the most successful business owners are also the most proactive. To that extent, they know what they want and how to get it. At the very least, they aren’t afraid to ask for whatever it is they need. And you shouldn’t be either. With only a few weeks left in 2015, now is the time to ask for what you want. There is no reason you shouldn’t, especially if you feel you deserve it. You never know; now may be your last chance.

6. Take Some Time Off

It is not uncommon for most business owners to take some time of at the end of the year. After all, we have worked so hard to get to this point; it’s not like we don’t deserve it. However, there are those that refuse to take time off because they feel they will fall too far behind. It is entirely possible for vacation time to get put on the back burner; only to be replaced by a prioritized checklist. However, I suggest placing time off at the top of that list. Sometimes a little rest is the most important thing you can do for your business. I encourage you to create some windows of rest and relaxation. Whatever you think will recharge your batteries should take precedent over your work. The last thing you want to do is to head into 2016 already burnt out.

7. Give Back

The end of the year provides us all with a great opportunity to give to those that are less fortunate. However, far too many businesses realize that an initiative such as this can go well beyond a good gesture. Providing a service for those in desperate need of it can really revitalize a community. Those around you will likely recognize every selfless act you choose to follow through with. It is perhaps the most organic, natural way to increase your company’s exposure. Take some time this holiday season and give back. You may be surprised at how many people are paying attention.

8. Look To The Future

The year is almost over, and there isn’t a better time to look towards the future, even if it is only a few weeks away. Take the last few weeks of the year to not only reflect on the previous 12 months, but also to focus on the impending New Year. After all, you can’t know where you are going until you know where you are coming from. Collaborate with those closest to you and talk about the year that’s about to end: what went well? What could you have done better? Subsequently, think about the year ahead: what you’d like to accomplish, learn and realize. I am not sure there is a better way to set yourself up for success.

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